The Secretary of State needs to take seriously the very deep concerns and anger of teachers and school leaders.The relentless attack on the teaching profession is damaging the morale of teachers and undermining the education of pupils.

The Secretary of State has the opportunity to avoid further national strike action by demonstrating that he is willing to engage seriously on the issues that we have put to him.

– Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT

Michael Gove is well aware that under his time as Education Secretary, teacher morale has plummeted. Teachers are angry at the Government’s continual undermining of their pay, pensions and working conditions.

Strike action is always a last resort for teachers and they are very well aware of the difficulties that this causes for parents and pupils. Teachers, however, have been left with no option. If we do not take a stand now to defend the profession, then the consequences for teacher recruitment and education will be disastrous for all.

Teachers on strike in London Credit: Jeff Moore/Jeff Moore/Empics Entertainment

The two largest teachers' unions in England and Wales are to outline plans for strike action later today.

In July, the NUT and NASUWT unions announced they would hold a one-day national strike, as well as rolling regional strikes in September and October. They have not stated the exact dates of the strikes.

Both unions are in a dispute with the government over pay, conditions and pensions.